4 Cute Denim Jacket Outfits That Will Take You Through the Transitional Season in Style

Laura Lajiness is a fashion editor and writer living in New York City. Here, she’s showing different ways to do denim jacket outfits this season. 

Between still-chilly weather and sunnier days that hint at spring‘s arrival, layered outfits remain a focal point of our wardrobes. With a range of versatile layers on standby from fitted turtlenecks to chunky sweaters, we have a number of combos down pat by now. But sometimes, it takes an unexpected piece — perhaps one you consider only “warm-weather appropriate” — to breath new life into fail-safe ‘fits. Right now, that piece for me is a denim jacket.

I wore my first denim jacket like a suit of armor in high school and have since adopted a few more styles from oversized fits to tailored versions. But lately, I’ve been re-thinking the trusty blue topper and realizing what a layering hero it is–this style staple works with everything from dressed-down looks to polished ensembles.

Ahead, scroll on for four ways in which I experimented with denim jacket outfits for in-between weather, from a wear-anywhere dress-and-boot combo to an easy, impactful styling trick that doesn’t cost a thing. 

Do Denim on Denim

A popular look both on Instagram and the street style scene, denim on denim is an easy-but-impactful outfit formula. While it’s still chilly enough to need a coat, a plaid style offers a preppy pop to tonal jeans and for a splash of color, I layered in a rusty red sweater and coordinating bag, finishing with sleek black boots for a polished effect. This is an outfit I’d wear in a casual work environment, to weekend brunch, or for a low-key dinner with friends.

Shop This Look: Manchester Moment Tan and White Plaid Coat, Rumors Medium Wash Two Tone Denim Jacket, Jadzia Rusty Rose  Ribbed Long Sleeve Mock Neck Sweater Top, Palmer Light Wash High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans,  Chase Black Pointed Toe Ankle Booties, Expression Burgundy Purse, Wila Gold Earrings

Offset Sweet Pieces

A denim jacket is a standard layer over just about any style of dress, but my favorite way to wear one is with sweeter styles for a cool offset. With trendy white boots, a structured mini bag, and gold earrings, this look is the perfect spring ensemble for drinks, dinner al fresco, or even date night. As an unexpected twist, I fastened mine unevenly for an off-kilter effect. Fun, yeah?

Shop This Look: Pause It Medium Wash Denim Jacket, Floral Dressed Up Yellow Floral Print Midi Dress, Cafe White Leather Ankle Booties, Wila Gold Earrings, Kirby Black Mini Purse

Layer Denim Jackets With Athleisure Outfits

I love an athleisure look for running errands. In an effort to look a little more put together, I topped a color-block hoodie and jeans with an oversized denim jacket, finishing with a croc-effect bag and clean white sneakers (instead of black jeans, this combo works just as well with leggings). This outfit is great for travel, too!

Shop This Look: Chantell Light Wash Distressed Oversized Denim Jacket, Bellarose Yellow Multi Color Block Hoodie, Riley Black High Rise Distressed Cropped Jeans, Poetic White Leather Flatform Sneakers, (similar bag) Croc n Roll Black Crocodile Embossed Round Bag, Macht Schnel Gold Geometric Wireframe Sunglasses

Try A Different Double Denim

It’s almost spring, but while I’m still facing cool weather the idea struck me to layer two denim jackets together. For contrast, I went with a white style under a faded blue hue and wore them with (super-elongating) animal print pants. As a playful finish, I reached for a pair of animal print mules with a tonal cross-body bag and large gold hoops — another look that can go from casual office environments to weekend drinks and hangs.

Shop This Look: Chantell Light Wash Distressed Oversized Denim Jacket, Ex Boyfriend Trucker White Denim Jacket, In The Raw Distressed Ivory Tee, Untamed Black Leopard Print Wide Leg Pants, Cinda Leopard Print Calf Hair Pointed Toe Mules, Sincerely Stylish Taupe Purse, Glory Gold Hammered Hoop Earrings

(Images via Laura Lajiness)

Show us your layered denim jacket outfits on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus!